MLB Preview Thursday 6/20/24

Today’s MLB slate offers a variety of intriguing matchups, primarily focusing on the pitching duels that will shape the DFS landscape. We’ll preview each game, providing key insights and statistical breakdowns to help you prepare for your DFS lineups. Let’s dive into the games.

Diamondbacks @ Nationals – 1:05 PM ET – Nationals Park

Pitching Matchup: Ryne Nelson (ARI) vs. MacKenzie Gore (WSH)

Game Insights:

• Ryne Nelson: Nelson comes into this game with an 8.94 ERA and a concerning 4.0 K/9. He struggles against both left-handed and right-handed hitters, with a .360 xwOBA against lefties and .340 against righties.
• MacKenzie Gore: Gore has been more effective, boasting a 13.31 DK point average and a solid strikeout rate of 6.1 K/9. He excels against right-handed hitters with a .325 xwOBA but can be vulnerable against lefties (.360 xwOBA).

The Diamondbacks’ offense, led by Ketel Marte and Christian Walker, will look to capitalize on Nelson’s struggles, while the Nationals will aim to challenge Gore with their balanced lineup.

Mariners @ Guardians – 1:10 PM ET – Progressive Field

Pitching Matchup: Luis Castillo (SEA) vs. Logan Allen (CLE)

Game Insights:

• Luis Castillo: Castillo has been a strikeout machine with a 11.77 K/9 and strong splits against right-handers (.279 xwOBA). His ability to dominate both sides of the plate makes him a formidable opponent for the Guardians.
• Logan Allen: Allen has an 11.94 DK point average with decent strikeout ability (5.3 K/9). However, he shows a vulnerability to right-handed power, with a .347 xwOBA against them.

The Mariners’ offense, featuring J.P. Crawford and Julio Rodriguez, will look to exploit Allen’s weaknesses, while Castillo aims to shut down the Guardians’ top hitters like Jose Ramirez and Josh Naylor.

Rays @ Twins – 1:10 PM ET – Target Field

Pitching Matchup: Zack Littell (TB) vs. Simeon Woods Richardson (MIN)

Game Insights:

• Zack Littell: Littell offers a respectable 12.33 DK point average and handles left-handed hitters fairly well (.321 xwOBA). His overall ability to limit hard contact makes him a reliable option.
• Simeon Woods Richardson: Woods Richardson has shown potential with a 12.08 DK point average and solid strikeout rates against both lefties and righties. However, he can be prone to allowing power, particularly against right-handed hitters (.312 xwOBA).

This game should be competitive, with the Rays’ balanced lineup facing Woods Richardson and the Twins trying to generate offense against Littell.

Astros @ White Sox – 2:10 PM ET – Guaranteed Rate Field

Pitching Matchup: Spencer Arrighetti (HOU) vs. Chris Flexen (CWS)

Game Insights:

• Spencer Arrighetti: Arrighetti brings a solid 15.97 DK point average and a good strikeout rate (6.4 K/9). His ability to handle both left-handed (.337 xwOBA) and right-handed (.333 xwOBA) hitters makes him a solid option.
• Chris Flexen: Flexen has struggled significantly, with a high ERA and a low strikeout rate (4.0 K/9). His .331 xwOBA against lefties and .382 against righties highlight his struggles.

The Astros’ potent lineup, featuring Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez, should have a field day against Flexen, while Arrighetti looks to dominate a White Sox lineup that has been inconsistent.

Dodgers @ Rockies – 3:10 PM ET – Coors Field

Pitching Matchup: Gavin Stone (LAD) vs. Ty Blach (COL)

Game Insights:

• Gavin Stone: Stone has a 12.69 DK point average with decent strikeout ability (5.6 K/9). His splits show vulnerabilities, with a .325 xwOBA against lefties and .346 against righties.
• Ty Blach: Blach has been struggling with a 5.62 ERA and a low strikeout rate (4.1 K/9). His .313 xwOBA against lefties and .402 against righties make him a prime target for the Dodgers’ offense.

This game at Coors Field, known for its hitter-friendly environment, should see plenty of runs. The Dodgers’ powerhouse lineup, including Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, will look to exploit Blach’s weaknesses.

Royals @ Athletics – 3:37 PM ET – Oakland Coliseum

Pitching Matchup: Seth Lugo (KC) vs. Mitch Spence (OAK)

Game Insights:

• Seth Lugo: Lugo has been impressive with a 19.12 DK point average and strong strikeout rates (6.1 K/9). His ability to limit power against both sides of the plate makes him a solid choice.
• Mitch Spence: Spence has shown some potential with a 10.9 DK point average but struggles against right-handed hitters (.307 xwOBA).

The Royals, led by Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez, will look to take advantage of Spence’s vulnerabilities, while Lugo aims to continue his strong performance against an Athletics lineup that has struggled.

Orioles @ Yankees – 4:05 PM ET – Yankee Stadium

Pitching Matchup: Cole Irvin (BAL) vs. Luis Gil (NYY)

Game Insights:

• Cole Irvin: Irvin has a 8.63 DK point average and struggles with right-handed power (.360 xwOBA). His low strikeout rate (4.2 K/9) makes him a target for the Yankees’ power hitters.
• Luis Gil: Gil has been dominant with an 18.78 DK point average and a high strikeout rate (6.7 K/9). His ability to limit hard contact from both sides of the plate makes him a strong option.

The Yankees’ lineup, featuring Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, should be able to capitalize on Irvin’s struggles, while Gil looks to continue his dominance against the Orioles.

Conclusion

Today’s MLB DFS slate offers a variety of pitching matchups that will shape the games. From potential blowouts to tight contests, understanding these pitching dynamics is crucial for setting your DFS lineups. Stay tuned for more insights on top hitters and stacks later today. Happy gaming!